UK looks for low carbon cooperation

Staff writer, with CNA

Tue, Oct 01, 2013 - Page 3

Taiwan and the UK could benefit by working together on low-carbon urban projects, the UK’s acting representative to Taiwan said yesterday.

“[Taiwan and the UK] have worked together on developing low-carbon cities, and we are keen to continue to work closely with Taiwan in this important area,” British Trade and Cultural Office (BTCO) Acting Director Damion Potter said.

Speaking at a forum held by his office and Taipei’s Environmental Protection Administration (EPA), Potter said that the global industry for low-carbon and environmental goods and services is estimated to be worth ￡3.2 trillion (US$5.17 trillion) a year, a potentially valuable opportunity for the two countries’ strong working relationship.

A delegation representing UK businesses is visiting Taiwan for a second consecutive year to seek opportunities for public and private sector cooperation.

The UK is well-positioned to offer Taiwan its experience in building up sustainable infrastructure, Potter said, pointing out that the UK allocates a major part of its annual budget toward developing a green economy, with nearly 1 million Britons employed in the sector. There are also similar efforts between Taiwan and the UK in the area, as both are developing low-carbon eco-towns, he said.

While the UK has selected Manchester, Leeds and Bristol as pilots for its project, Taiwan plans to allocate a budget of about NT$30 billion (US$1 billion) to develop four pilot low-carbon jurisdictions — New Taipei City (新北市), Greater Taichung, Greater Tainan and Yilan County — by next year.